1984 ford ranger 4 speed. 2wd brake issues

[Derekzee]

I've noticed both of the rear rims were really hot when I last drove the truck. I noticed while down shifting (coasting, no brakes touched, not mid shift) I would have a bang come from the rear. There was a smell at the back by the wheels as well. I don't drive it much, but engage and disengage the parking brake often when I do drive? Seems like the parking brake is the culprit, but just curious if there are anything things I should look for. Or should I just go ahead and pop both wheels off and see how the drums and shoes look? They only have a few thousand km's on them. I should mention that I just drained and refilled the 4 speed transmission. I checked for leaks and it shifted fine, I don't think this is related, but it was the last thing I worked on before driving it.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Taking the drums off for inspection is your first step.

Be sure to look for leakage from wheel cylinders and axle seals.

If they've been hanging up... brake shoes will likely be glazed and signs of heat present on the drums.

Look at the area where the brake shoes meet the anchor pin at the top of the backing plate. The shoes should be full contact with the anchor pin when brakes are at rest. If either of the shoes aren't resting tight against the anchor pin... park brake cables are adjusted too tight or seized in the housings.

 

[Derekzee]

Thanks for the reply Uncle Gump, I was able to take both tires off and take a look. No leaks on either cylinders or axle seals. Lots of brake dust on both sides though. The passenger side front facing shoe is definitely not sitting on the anchor pin properly. I'll attach a picture for you to see.
I think the cable is moving freely. Definitely up at the front, and at the point where the cable splits into 2 at the spring point. Is that the area where the adjustments are made? I'll attach a picture of that area as well. I'm assuming it is adjusted too tight? The drums seem ok, but the shoes are unevenly worn.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It looks like the passenger cable is adjustable where it comes through the balance bar. Although the threaded portion of the cable appears to be in rough shape and you'd be lucky if you can get it to move.

For testing purposes... you can remove the park brake strut between the brake shoes and see if that corrects the dragging brakes. If it does order some rear cables.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Using the parking brake on an old Ranger is generally a no-no.. They are notorious for sticking due to internally corroded cables.

 

[Derekzee]

It looks like the passenger cable is adjustable where it comes through the balance bar. Although the threaded portion of the cable appears to be in rough shape and you'd be lucky if you can get it to move.

For testing purposes... you can remove the park brake strut between the brake shoes and see if that corrects the dragging brakes. If it does order some rear cables.

Ok great thanks, just to confirm. The highlighted portion in the first pic is where I can try to adjust? And the highlighted part in the 2nd pic would be the park brake strut?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Ok great thanks, just to confirm. The highlighted portion in the first pic is where I can try to adjust? And the highlighted part in the 2nd pic would be the park brake strut?

You got it...

 

[Uncle Gump]

@Derekzee

Just understand... I'm in no way saying its ok to disable the park brake for any other reason then testing.

 

[Derekzee]

@Derekzee

Just understand... I'm in no way saying its ok to disable the park brake for any other reason then testing.

Yep, I understand. Will I know by how the shoe visually sits properly on the anchor pin? Like if it sits correctly, that means my cables should be replaced? Or do you mean to take it for a test drive to see if they are dragging then?

 

[Uncle Gump]

The shoe will go back without the strut in place.

Im saying a little bit of a test drive to confirm it corrected the problem. Im pretty sure it will but its worth confirmation.